Japan

Kyoto

Kyoto (京都) was the capital of Japan for over a millennium, and carries a reputation as its most beautiful city. However, visitors may be surprised by how much work they will have to do to see Kyoto's beautiful side. Most first impressions of the city will be of the urban sprawl of central Kyoto, around the ultra-modern glass-and-steel train station, which is itself an example of a city steeped in tradition colliding with the modern world. Nonetheless, the persistent visitor will soon discover Kyoto's hidden beauty in the temples and parks which ring the city center, and find that the city has much more to offer than immediately meets the eye.

Best Months to Travel to Kyoto: January, February, June, November

See

Find the best flight to Kyoto

Leaving from

Going to

Kyoto offers an incredible number of attractions for tourists, and visitors will probably need to plan an itinerary in advance in order to visit as many as possible. Kyoto is a beautiful city in Japan that has many historical and cultural attractions. Here are five of the top Kyoto attractions that you should not miss:

Kinkaku-ji: This is a stunning temple that is covered with gold leaf and reflects on a pond. It is one of the most iconic landmarks of Kyoto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fushimi-Inari Taisha: This is a Shinto shrine that is famous for its thousands of red torii gates that form a tunnel-like path up the hill. It is a sacred and scenic place that attracts many visitors.
Kiyomizu-dera: This is a Buddhist temple that is built on a cliff and offers a panoramic view of the city. It is known for its wooden stage, its waterfall, and its cherry blossoms in spring.
Sanjūsangen-dō: This is a temple that houses 1001 statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The statues are arranged in rows and create an impressive sight.
Nijo Castle: This is a castle that was built by the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and served as the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate. It has a moat, a wall, and several buildings that display the architecture and art of the feudal era.

These are just some of the many attractions that Kyoto has to offer.